American Federation of Labor

Definition

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was a national federation of labor unions in the United States, founded in 1886, that focused on securing better wages, working conditions, and hours for skilled workers. It played a crucial role in the labor movement by advocating for the rights of workers and emphasizing the importance of organized labor during a time when many workers faced exploitation and poor working conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AFL was founded by Samuel Gompers and other labor leaders who sought to unify skilled workers across different trades under one organization.
2. Unlike earlier labor movements that sought broad social reforms, the AFL focused specifically on practical issues such as wages and working conditions for skilled workers.
3. The AFL was instrumental in establishing the eight-hour workday as a standard labor practice in the early 20th century.
4. The federation encouraged unions to use strikes and boycotts as tools for negotiating better terms with employers, becoming a significant force in the labor movement.
5. By the early 1900s, the AFL had grown to represent over a million workers, becoming one of the most influential labor organizations in American history.

Review Questions

• How did the American Federation of Labor differ from earlier labor organizations in its approach to worker rights?
  • The American Federation of Labor distinguished itself from earlier labor organizations by focusing specifically on practical issues such as wages, working hours, and conditions rather than pursuing broad social reforms. While previous groups often addressed larger societal changes, the AFL aimed to unite skilled workers from various trades to negotiate directly with employers for tangible improvements. This targeted approach allowed the AFL to gain traction among workers who sought immediate benefits in their workplaces.
• What strategies did the American Federation of Labor employ to achieve its goals for skilled workers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
  • The American Federation of Labor employed various strategies to achieve its goals for skilled workers, including collective bargaining, strikes, and boycotts. By negotiating on behalf of union members, the AFL sought to secure better wages and working conditions directly with employers. Strikes served as powerful demonstrations of worker solidarity, while boycotts aimed to exert economic pressure on companies resisting fair negotiations. These strategies helped elevate the influence of organized labor during a period when worker rights were often overlooked.
• Evaluate the impact of the American Federation of Labor on the broader labor movement and its significance in shaping modern labor practices.
  • The American Federation of Labor had a profound impact on the broader labor movement by establishing frameworks for organized labor that emphasized skilled trades and practical improvements in working conditions. Its focus on collective bargaining set precedents for future negotiations between unions and employers, solidifying essential labor practices like the eight-hour workday. The AFL's influence extended beyond its time, as it laid foundational principles that continue to inform modern labor rights activism and union organizing today.

Related terms

Craft Union: A type of labor union that represents workers who share a specific skill or trade, often focusing on improving their work conditions and wages.

Collective Bargaining: The process of negotiation between employers and a group of employees aimed at reaching agreements regarding working conditions, wages, and other employment terms.

Labor Movement: A broad coalition of workers and labor unions advocating for better rights, working conditions, and social justice for laborers throughout history.